As of January 14, 2025, wildfires in the Los Angeles area have destroyed more than 12000 structures, displacing thousands of residents. Many individuals who have lost nearly all their belongings are now faced with the daunting task of starting over from scratch. Fortunately, numerous brands are stepping up to support the victims of these devastating fires by providing assistance in setting up new homes. Below, you’ll find a list of companies offering free furniture, decor, and other essentials to those displaced or replacing items lost or damaged, along with additional links to useful resources. It’s also a good idea to…

We’ve been moving through the Midwest, analyzing ZIP codes in terms of their home values, and going state by state to identify the most expensive ones. Recently, we investigated the most expensive ZIP codes in Michigan and Wisconsin. Now, we are going to take a look at Iowa’s most expensive ZIP codes. So, read on to find out the most expensive ZIP codes in Iowa in 2024, based on data from Zillow’s home value index and the Census Bureau. The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Iowa Using data from Zillow’s home value index, plus the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community…

Are you an early adopter? Or are you someone who buys the latest gear when it becomes a market hit? Maybe, like me, you follow technology eagerly, but wait for things to become tried and true before investing in them for your home. There’s value in all three approaches. For those planning on adding features to their homes this year, these are the smart home innovations professionals in the design and technology sectors are predicting as particularly notable for 2025. I reached out to these leaders in December for their insights on what they see coming our way this year.…

We’ve been moving across the country, state by state, and analyzing financial data to identify the most expensive ZIP codes in each state. We recently began our trek through the Rocky Mountain states, determining the most expensive ZIP codes in Colorado and Utah, for example. Here, we’re going to continue our journey through the Mountain states by examining the most expensive ZIP codes in Montana. Read on to find out the most expensive ZIP codes in Montana in 2024, relying on data from Zillow’s home value index and the Census Bureau. The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Montana Using data…

Chicago’s stock of classic bungalows was constructed during an era when many of the creature comforts we take for granted today were the stuff of science fiction. There was no residential air conditioning in the second and third decade of the 20th Century. Walls lacked insulation and windows were single-pane, as home heating was very affordable. Correcting these and other flaws of bungalows for this and future centuries can be comparatively straightforward, but often proves challenging. The team behind the Better Bungalow — a classic Chicago bungalow updated to serve as a model for future bungalow retrofits — found this…

The first location is expected to open in summer 2026 and will feature AI-powered medical suites, gourmet dining, swimming pools and wellness programs. By Jim Dobson, Senior Contributor In the summer of 2026, an extraordinary offshoot of Safe—the Virginia-based protective design specialists—will unveil Aerie. This underground doomsday bunker complex will act as a fortified sanctuary, setting the stage for a revolutionary new global network. For years Safe (Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments) has delivered outrageous innovations to private homes including flaming lakes, biometrically activated shotgun walls, water cannons, and even a Formula 1 track. The new Aerie project will offer…

Anyone living for any length of time in Chicago is familiar with the term “bungalow belt.” The moniker refers to outer-ring neighborhoods where block upon block of bungalows were built in the second and third decades of the 20th Century. Because the bungalows were constructed on the fringes of the city where land was then cheap, and featured an easily replicated low-slung design, these humble abodes brought homeownership within reach for many families. Today, many bungalows are still comparatively affordable and are increasingly cherished as symbols of the Windy City’s iconic architectural past. Just what makes the bungalow so beloved?…

Running from $1 billion in debts and liabilities, Jim Justice may have constituents here and overseas who are more important to him than the people of West Virginia. By Christopher Helman, Forbes Staff When West Virginia Governor James Conley Justice II finishes out his gubernatorial term in mid January and reports to Washington, D.C. to be sworn into the United States Senate, he will become one of the nation’s poorest senators. How can that be? After all, for nearly a decade until 2021 Forbes figured Justice to be a billionaire, the richest man in the Mountain State, thanks to a…

If you’re working in real estate as a broker, analyst, or property manager, you might be thinking about becoming an investor. When carrying out multiple roles, you’ll want to think about the pros and cons related to your options. In some cases, you may want to do both, such as being a service provider and also investing, which we’ll look at in the next article. Before making the shift, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and are ready to take the leap. If you have the Insider’s Edge, you’ll be able to use your knowledge and connections to strive…

Open shelving is out, and homeowners want their kitchens to reflect their personalities, according to the 2025 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen Trends Report. Instead, homeowners want to hide clutter, blend color and finishes, and create an airy and open space that’s both aesthetically and functionally creative. These are some of the key takeaways (with accompanying photos) from the 2025 NKBA Kitchen Trends report, which surveyed NKBA members, including designers (61%), architects, manufacturers, and contractors. Blast From The Past Some of the past trends are making a comeback in 2025. According to the report, 52% of respondents say…